Electrical Engineering Technician

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

An electrical engineering technician could...

Overview Listen to this section

Electrical engineering technicians help design, test, and manufacture electrical and electronic equipment. These people are part of the team of engineers and research scientists that keep our high-tech world going and moving forward.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of an Electrical Engineering Technician?

1. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
2. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
3. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
4. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
5. Troubleshooting: ? Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

6. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
7. Monitoring: ? Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
8. Mathematics: ? Using mathematics to solve problems.
9. Operation Monitoring: ? Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
10. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks an Electrical Engineering Technician might do:

• Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
• Replace defective components or parts, using hand tools and precision instruments.
• Set up and operate specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or systems.
• Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
• Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers or field representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts.
• Assemble electrical systems or prototypes, using hand tools or measuring instruments.
• Review electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
• Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools.
• Review existing electrical engineering criteria to identify necessary revisions, deletions, or amendments to outdated material.
• Maintain system logs or manuals to document testing or operation of equipment.
• Select electronics equipment, components, or systems to meet functional specifications.
• Calculate design specifications or cost, material, and resource estimates, and prepare project schedules and budgets.
• Educate equipment operators on the proper use of equipment.
• Supervise the installation or operation of electronic equipment or systems.
• Compile and maintain records documenting engineering schematics, installed equipment, installation or operational problems, resources used, repairs, or corrective action performed.
• Modify electrical prototypes, parts, assemblies, or systems to correct functional deviations.
• Integrate software or hardware components, using computer, microprocessor, or control architecture.
• Procure parts and maintain inventory and related documentation.
• Participate in training or continuing education activities to stay abreast of engineering or industry advances.
• Research equipment or component needs, sources, competitive prices, delivery times, or ongoing operational costs.
• Provide user applications or engineering support or recommendations for new or existing equipment with regard to installation, upgrades, or enhancements.
• Specify, coordinate, or conduct quality control or quality assurance programs or procedures.
• Produce electronics drawings or other graphics representing industrial control, instrumentation, sensors, or analog or digital telecommunications networks, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Conduct statistical studies to analyze or compare production costs for sustainable or nonsustainable designs.
• Construct and evaluate electrical components for consumer electronics applications such as fuel cells for consumer electronic devices, power saving devices for computers or televisions, or energy efficient power chargers.
• Participate in the development or testing of electrical aspects of new green technologies, such as lighting, optical data storage devices, and energy efficient televisions.
• Review, develop, or prepare maintenance standards.